CCPS MATHEMATICS PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

All students can learn mathematics, and they deserve the opportunity to do so. Calvert County Public Schools Mathematics curriculum is based on the Maryland College and Career-Ready Standards.

Our goal is that all students:

learn to value mathematics,

become confident in their ability to do mathematics,

become mathematical problem solvers,

learn to communicate mathematically, and

learn to reason mathematically.

Calvert County Public Schools mathematics curriculum is the foundation for instructional practice within our mathematics classrooms. We recognize that “mathematics is more than a collection of concepts and skills to be mastered; it includes methods of investigating and reasoning, means of communication, and notions of context.”(NCTM Principles and Standards for School Mathematics pg. 5) It is our goal to build the students’ conceptual understanding along with their procedural knowledge. Students who understand why a mathematical procedure works are more apt to use their knowledge and understanding to problem solve with far less familiar tasks. Students need to interpret and construct knowledge, rather than just absorb it; that is why mathematics at all levels fosters active student involvement.

MATHEMATICAL PRACTICES

The Standards for Mathematical Practice describe varieties of expertise that mathematics educators at all levels should seek to develop in their students. These practices rest on important “processes and proficiencies” with longstanding importance in mathematics education.